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It’s The Truth, All Of It!
I’ve been guilty, and I bet you have too, of using a verse of scripture to prove a point. Sometimes, it doesn’t even mean what I’m trying to prove.. Jen Wilkin has said, and I’ve quoted often, “A text without a context is a pretext for a prooftext.” This means that unless you understand the context, you don’t fully know the meaning. You may be using it to prove something it doesn’t. To understand meaning of scriptural truth we must know the context in many ways. This includes knowing the placement of your verse regarding: chapter, book of the Bible, where it sits in the whole of the redemption story,…
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Timing is Everything
I often write about waiting, and God’s timing not usually matching mine. But throughout scripture we see evidence that God always has a plan, and His plan is always perfectly timed. In Genesis 21, after waiting basically a life time desiring to become a mother, Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time God had told him (Genesis 21:2). The year was perfect for Isaac to be born. The next Israelite patriarch was born and it fit completely into God’s big redemption timeline. The timing for Isaiah’s vision of God seated on His throne was specific as well. God was calling…
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Waiting with Patience?
I’m not necessarily a patient person. I applaud those who are. Tending to work fast on most anything, I am a “get’er done” kind of gal. Waiting in line, waiting on answers, and well…just waiting in general, is REALLY hard! This year the Lord directed me to memorize Romans 8. My verses for this week are 24-25. The context is how we were saved through our hope in Christ and now we eagerly wait for our full redemption when Jesus returns and makes all things new. Read back a few verses in your Bible, or better yet, the entire chapter to get a better look at the context. My post…
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Are You Blooming?
I wrote on a similar topic a while back, Grow Through What You Go Through, but the day I took this photo, I was sitting outside on the deck having time in the Word and kept looking at this new flag on our deck. I loved the vivid colors, but more than that I want to do what this says. All that God was saying to me lately came together in this thought, bloom where you are planted. There are some things I am not really happy about right now, but can’t do anything about. So, this thought is especially poignant. In John 15, Jesus teaches His followers how essential…
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The Timeliness of God’s Word
Sometimes it seems the Lord is silent, but other times He just floods you with common thoughts as you are facing challenges. He did that (again) recently. I was finishing up the the two connected studies. Seven Realities for Experiencing God by Richard and Henry Blackaby and Experiencing God, upon which Seven Realities is based, also by the Blackabys and Claude King. I’ve spent weeks being reminded of how God speaks and calls us to work with Him, as well as making adjustments it takes to obey! In facing a tough relationship circumstance, I’ve been asking God to show me how to obey in the situation. I’ve also been walking…
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Knowing God’s Will Part 14: Lessons From Experiencing God
Ever feel like you just need a second chance? So did Moses, David and Peter! God often gives second chances. Moses made mistakes but delivered Israel to the edge of Canaan. Abraham lied about who Sarah was. Jonah ran from God’s assignment. David committed adultery. Peter denied Christ. Saul persecuted Christians. God used each one for His purpose anyway. But, consequences of our sin can be very costly. Moses got to see the Promised Land, but did not get to enter it because he dishonored God in front of all Israel. God still uses us even if we mess up but He desires our quick obedience. Blackaby said, When God…
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Knowing God’s Will Part 13: Lessons From Experiencing God
What is that step of obedience you could take today to lead to a deeper walk with Jesus than you’ve ever known? Though Moses started his “experiencing God” story with a burning bush, God did so much more as Pharaoh released captive Israel and they eventually entered the Promised Land. Each time Moses faced a challenge, God was right there to meet the need, and each time he experienced and knew God more. The same can be true for us if we say yes, make adjustments, and then obey what He tells us. We will know his character more as we obey, year after year after year. Read our last…
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Knowing God’s Will Part 12: Lessons From Experiencing God
After my husband and I surrendered to ministry (see last post), the devil tried to redirect us. The enemy does whatever he can to stop us from adjusting to God’s plan. The song Sovereign Over Us comes to mind, especially the lines that say: “even what the enemy means for evil, You turn it for our good and Your glory.” This is where trust kicks in. Stop and listen to that song if you can. Scroll back to part 11 for a refresher on Reality 6 in the Knowing God’s Will series. Adjustment means sacrifice. Sacrifice costs something, for you and those around you. Earlier in my walk with Jesus,…
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Knowing God’s Will Part 11: Lessons From Experiencing God
Are you a planner like I am? Do you expect your plans to come to fruition like you thought? Sometimes, I prefer my plan to what God is putting before me. But when God interrupts, He expects me to make the adjustment to His plan. And sometimes His plan is much harder than mine! If you’ve been following this Knowing God’s Will series, you should see a pattern. If not, please start at Part 1 for clarification. After facing the crisis of belief alongside God’s invitation to join Him in His work, the ball rolls from God’s court to ours. The first 5 realities begin with “God” and His work…
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Knowing God’s Will Part 10: Lessons From Experiencing God
Start with Part 9 from last week, if needed, before reading Part 10. Read Reality 5: God revealed to Joshua and the Israelites what He was going to do as they took that first step, not what they could do. That is how God works through us as well, if we are following His purpose for our lives. Why does He work this way? He doesn’t need us to bring about His purpose. But, we grow to know Him more as we experience Him working in and through our lives. He pursues a love relationship with us that fits us perfectly (see Reality 2, Parts 3-4) as He involves us…
